When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes--Desiderius Erasmus...
A room without books is like a body without a soul--Cicero...
You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend--Paul Sweeney...

Sunday, March 5

Awaiting The Moon by Donna Lea Simpson

This book has a lot going for it. It's set in 1795 Germany. It's a gothic, incredibly gothic in style. The author does a tremendous job bringing you into a dark and fearful place. The book is filled with odd and eccentric characters that add to the gothic feel.

As good as the book is it does have huge drawbacks.

The heroine reminds me of the girls that always ends up dead in slasher films, too curious for her own good, but that's the driving force of this book. She's nosey and the odd and eccentric characters try to keep her perpetually in the dark.

At times the dialogue is a little purple prosey: ...to be fair, he did not have to ask me a second time to meet him in the attic, where a deserted divan became our haven. My life was so miserable, and in his arms I found happiness, however brief it was. I was ready and willing, and ... and I capitulated utterly, giving my maidenhood as a sacrific at the alter of my love. page 191 for those who doubt.

SPOILER: this book is a werewolf story. The hero turns into one very close to the end of the book, the situation is explained and yet I would have prefered to see it end in a more gothic style instead of a paranormal, just finding the evil doer and moving on to the HEA.